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Goodson made 40 starts for Sky Blue FC over the previous two seasons (Photo by Robyn McNeil).

Goodson Played Defender for Sky Blue FC over Two Previous NWSL Seasons

Sky Blue FC (1-4-4, 7 points) of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) officially announced today that veteran defender CoCo Goodson has signed with the club after retaining her rights when she briefly retired this past offseason. To make room on its roster, Sky Blue FC has waived Dutch defender/midfielder Maruschka Waldus.

“We recently received a phone call from CoCo, and she stated that she would like to return to the team,” said Jim Gabarra, Sky Blue FC Technical Director & Head Coach. “Fortunately, we found a way to fit her into the roster and salary cap. She adds a lot of experience to our team after having spent the past two seasons playing center back for us. She provides us with solid veteran leadership, and now we just need to see how quickly she can get herself into match fitness.”

Goodson, 25, was a two-time NSCAA/NCAA All-American while playing collegiately at the University of California-Irvine. The Golden State native made 40 starts over 43 appearances over her two previous seasons with Sky Blue FC, playing every minute in 2013 while registering a goal and an assist. She again brought a high level of defensive play to the New Jersey side in 2014.

With the addition of Goodson, Waldus was concurrently placed on waivers by Sky Blue FC to make room on the roster. Over the 2015 season, the Dutch defender/midfielder made one appearance in NWSL action.

“Each NWSL club is now facing some tough decisions as players begin returning from the World Cup,” Gabarra commented. “Maruschka filled a role that CoCo handled the past two seasons, and she did perform well in that role during her time here with us. We wish her nothing but the best in the future.”

After a break for Group Play during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sky Blue FC will resume play this Sunday when it hosts the Chicago Red Stars for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff at Yurcak Field. Individual game tickets for the match are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849).

Sky Blue FC will also be hosting a Pride Night at Sunday’s match, with t-shirts supporting the initiative on sale at the stadium during the game (while supplies last). Cost per t-shirt will be $20. Anyone who is interested in ordering a t-shirt can do so by calling 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849) or picking one up at Yurcak Field on Sunday.